Philippians 1:3-5....JOY

Scripture:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now
(all Scripture quotations are from the NASB unless otherwise noted.)


Observations:

-Paul is thankful for the saints in Philippi, and filled with joy whenever he prays for them.

-he is joyful because of their "participation in the gospel" from the very first day he met with them and shared the Good News of Jesus life, death, and resurrection.

Application:
Joy.  Paul uses the word joy six times in Philippians, more times than in any other book.  It seems to be a theme.  Paul uses the word gospel nine times in Philippians.  Do you think there could be a connection?  I most certainly do.
Remember that Paul is in prison as he writes this letter.  It is not prison like we think of today.  He was basically under house arrest in quarters he rented in Rome.  He could not leave the house to preach the gospel, but was allowed to have visitors with whom he could freely share.  He was also chained to a member of the Roman guard and I can't help thinking "talk about a captive audience."  How many guards must have heard Paul share the gospel!
Paul was in prison awaiting the decision of whether he would be set free or sentenced to death.  And yet he had found joy. To read more click here

The Source of All My Joy

"Send out Your light and Your truth; let them guide me.  Let them lead me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You live.  There I will go to the altar of God, to God--the source of all my joy."  Psalm 43:3-4, NLT1  The NASB reads "to God my exceeding joy."

I've been facing some interesting decisions the last few weeks and seeking God's guidance.  These verses really spoke to my heart.  I am sensing that God is leading me to make some changes.  The process He is guiding me through is causing me to take a good look at how I spend my time; look at what things have become priorities in my life.  I am pleased with some; while others it is time to bid farewell to.  You see the Lord has been doing a bit of illuminating and while I like much of what I see, some things have become a part of my life that are not helping me to become the woman God intends me to be.  

In the time that I have left on this earth I want to be led by Him.  I want a life that is consistent with someone who goes by His name.  As I allow more and more of my life to be conformed to the image of Christ my joy increases.  I love where He is leading and I am having a wonderful time walking in the paths that He has laid out for me.  Still, I can get side-tracked and wander on paths that were never meant for me.   Much left to contemplate in my quiet moments with the King.


Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb